Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum

I was very excited to try this product since it contained both niacinamide and vitamin C - two ingredients that seem to be everywhere right now due to providing real results. I have used a product with niacinamide before with great results, so I felt like trying a product with niacinamide plus the addition of vitamin C would be perfect.

The look of the packaging was pretty standard. I like that the box stated what the serum is formulated 'with' and 'without', alongside a full ingredients list. It also stated at which step in your routine the product should be used, which I always appreciate.

The bottle is pretty and pearlescent. However, that auto-dropper really got me! I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I had to use Google to figure out how to open the product initially (even though instructions are included). Once it's open though, it's easy to dispense the product each time - you just twist the lid, click it down and then open it.

The formula was not quite what I was expecting from a serum - it was milky and quite runny. There is a fragrance but it is pretty neutral.

I think the formula contributed to my dislike of the product. Yes, it was a lightweight texture as claimed, but I think it was actually too lightweight. It felt like I was just applying a moisturiser and often I felt like the two pumps it recommended (and the amount that could be held in the dropper) just wasn't enough.

I didn't see any changes to my skin, despite using it twice a day as recommended. While it claims to brighten and provide a radiant glow, I didnt feel bright or glowy either immediately after applying, or after 2 weeks of use. Unfortunately there was also no change to the dark spots that have developed on my skin over the last few months. Overall I felt underwhelmed and realised that the products I'd cut out of my routine to trial this one had been doing a much better job.

I have used an Olay moisturiser before and loved it, so I am disappointed by this serum. I will continue to use this in the hopes that I see some results. I would love it to have some effect on my dark spots, and maybe that just takes more time. I would however not re-purchase, as I think there are much better products out there at the same price point.

I was very excited to try this product!

Not going to lie… figuring out the bottle took me a lot longer than I would like to admit. I definitely prefer pump bottles for serums and face products, rather than a separate dropper that you try and screw back on when your hands are slippery with serum

The serum itself didn’t really smell of anything. It did leave my face feeling quite sticky, until I put moisturiser on. Wasn’t a fan of that tacky skin feeling

As with anything skincare that has vitamin c, it is not recommended for oily skin as it encourages the skin to produce more oil. As I have combination skin, I used this serum only on the dry parts of my face.

I didn’t notice a change in my acne scarring, or general skin condition while trialling this serum. That could be related to face mask use though, so I will keep trying and see if it changes my mind

I’m not in a hurry to go and purchase this product myself

I received this product for a trial and I have been using it daily.

First - the packaging is gorgeous. I love having it on my bathroom counter - it looks so pretty. The bottle itself comes with a little pump syringe and you need two pumps worth of product each time you use it. But the syringe only holds enough product for one pump. So you need to put the syringe back in, drag the product up and then pump it again into your hand - all while having a palm full of the product in the other hand.

I used the product and noticed that it made my skin look shiny. Not glowing and dewy, but shiny like it was oily. So I don't think the product makes your skin glow. But I think it does smooth the skin out and take away any blotchiness and discoloration - so while I can say that it does work, it also doesn't do everything it said it would.

The scent of the product is lovely, the absorption is quick and not greasy. It is also a bit hydrating as well and I can put my makeup on over top of it without the foundation sliding around.

So would I buy it again? Probably not. I feel like there may be other products on the market that smooth out skin tone and discoloration better (what these are, I don't know).

I was really excited to try this product. I've been looking for a serum for some time. The packaging was clear on how and when to apply, and I thought the design of the bottle looked high end. It's scent was stronger than I'd anticipated, but wasnt overwhelming. On initial application, it felt really lovely the skin. It wasnt too heavy, and it didn't feel greasy. I was really happy with how it applied at first glance. Unfortunately, I seem to have reacted to the product, and came out with some sore, unsightly pimples. I don't normally react to products (the only other cosmetic or facial product was benefits bang bang mascara). I did wonder if it was hormonal acne, or a reaction to wearing a mask long term, however it wasn't until I stopped using it, that the pimples cleared up.